The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and the City of Boston’s Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIU) have announced that Article 80, the City of Boston’s review process for larger development projects, will now incorporate a Broadband Ready Building Questionnaire, helping ensure that new and redeveloped buildings will incorporate reliable, fast and affordable broadband internet connectivity infrastructure for today’s businesses and residents. The BPDA and DoIU have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with WiredScore, a startup that evaluates new and existing buildings’ internet infrastructure and certifies sufficiently-equipped buildings, incorporating WiredScore’s broadband-readiness questionnaire into all Article 80 project proposal filings.

Boston is the first city to integrate design of top-notch broadband infrastructure into the real estate development review process. The broadband-readiness questionnaire will enable the City of Boston to collect information about how developers are incorporating broadband connectivity into project design, helping inform future building codes and development policy and helping the City understand how to support developers in integrating best broadband practices. The BPDA will not require new developments to achieve WiredScore’s Wired Certification top-notch broadband infrastructure designation.

By helping introduce top-notch broadband infrastructure into new developments, the City of Boston will improve digital equity, helping increase access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet for households, businesses and the public. As internet connectivity becomes a necessity for modern business tenants, students, workers and entrepreneurs, Boston’s broadband infrastructure initiative will supplement the City’s strong innovation culture, as well as the multiple leading corporations that call our city home, and make the City of Boston a sought-after destination for any innovative business.